PLASTIC POLLUTION & ANIMALS

Why is the fight against plastic ocean pollution so important? Plastics attract and store persistent organic pollutants like flame retardants and other industrial chemicals.

A SINGLE PLASTIC MICROBEAD CAN BE 1 MILLION TIMES MORE TOXIC THAN THE WATER AROUND IT.

As marine life eat the plastic, these pollutants work their way up the food chain—and onto our plates. Larger pieces of plastic are also a problem.

More than 1,200 species are impacted by plastic, through ingestion or entanglement—both of which can sicken or even kill them. Birds, fish, turtles, dolphins, sharks and even whales can be poisoned or trapped by plastic waste. And all animals (including humans) depend on the ocean for food and a healthy ecosystem that maintains the balance of greenhouse gases. Scientists agree: If the oceans die, we die.

But the thing to remember about the problem of plastic ocean pollution is this we can fix it! It’s simple: Pledge to go #plasticfree:

Refuse the top five sources of single-use plastic: plastic bags, water bottles, to go containers, takeaway cups and straws.

Use a reusable water bottle or shopping bag to start a conversation with your friends and family about the impact of single-use plastics.

If single-use plastic is unavoidable, choose to support brands that commit to recycled packaging.

The 5 Gyre Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2017. Our mission is to empower action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution through science, education, and adventure.